Crime In Choir Discography of CDs

San Francisco quintet Crime In Choir are an instrumental rock band, comparable to Faust, Goblin, Magma, Soft Machine, and King Crimson. Founded in 2000, Crime In Choir released their previous full-length releases on GSL (2006's "Trumpery Metier"), Frenetic Records (2004's "The Hoop") and Omnibus (2002's self-titled debut), respectively. Comprised of founding members of the original At The Drive-In (pianist Kenny Hopper and guitarist Jarrett Wrenn), as well as members of The Fucking Champs (drummer Tim Soete), Jonas Reinhardt (synth player Jesse Reiner + Kenny Hopper), and The Mass (saxophonist Matt Waters), Crime In Choir have an impressive pedigree and an even more impressive sound. Described by Pitchfork Media as "an indie-prog monolith, blending intense mathrock spazz-outs with dense, dreamy melodies", Crime In Choir have created a name for themselves among the ranks of prog-revivalists. Intent on reinvigorating and updating the genre for today's discriminating, post-everything indie-rock listener, Crime In Choir's 4th album, "Gift Givers", expands on the complex interweaving of melody, composition and sound-scape heard on 2006's "Trumpery Metier". "Gift Givers" brings a complex suite of six songs that harkens back to the golden age of prog while leaping infinitely forward in textures, composition and grace, making "Gift Givers" the penultimate progressive rock album that will forever be remembered. "Gift Givers" was recorded by band member Matt Waters, mastered by Pete Lyman and will be released in early 2009 by Kill Shaman Records (U.S.) and Moorworks (Japan).

Recording information: Louder Studios, San Francisco, CA (2005-2006). Photographer: Chris Brigham. Personnel: Jarrett Wrenn (guitar); Marietta Waters (saxophone); Kenny Hopper (piano, keyboards); Jesse Reiner (synthesizer); Tim Soete (drums). Audio Mixer: Tim Green .

After the breakup of At the Drive-In, it became apparent that said band was certainly the sum of some diverse parts, and with each new project from the former members those parts have gotten a little more clearly defined. Hailing from the more abstract corners of At the Drive-In's sound comes Crime in Choir (which of course boasts "founding members of At the Drive-In"), whose instrumental escapades are astoundingly diverse and technically tighter than most of their peers. With viciously syncopated drumming and hearty synth overtones providing the melodies, the quartet weaves tunes both dark and ominous as well as strangely uplifting, all while keeping up a chaotic pace and careening through rapid ...

Crime in Choir's The Hoop serves up more of the band's fascinating instrumental music, which draws from math rock, prog, pop, and jazz influences. However, this cut-and-dried description doesn't do justice to the power of Crime in Choir's music, which is aggressive and beautiful, fast-moving but hypnotic, and evocative and tightly wound at the same time. Crime in Choir's fondness for intricate keyboards definitely has its roots in prog rock, but in the band's hands, they give the music its own uniquely dark sparkle. Delivering on the promise of their self-titled debut, the amount of passion and precision the band packs into each track of The Hoop is truly awe inspiring. "Strong Beautiful Suspicious Horse" might be the first track, but with its commanding keyboard arpeggios, brass, and swift melodic ...